Chicken Taco Casserole

Easy Taco Chicken Casserole is a blank slate when it comes to toppings and garnishes… and we’re all about the toppings and garnishes! There are a tons of ways to customize this dish or change it up with optional add-ins, variations or your favorite taco fixings. Let your Mexican-inspired creativity run wild on this one. 😁

Easy Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Everything about this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal especially when you’re short on time but still want something filling and flavorful.

We all love chicken tacos and loaded chicken nachos is one of my personal favorites to order from the local Mexican restaurant. Now you can have it all in one simple casserole that comes together in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients for Chicken Taco Casserole:

• Shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken or 4 chicken breasts)
• low-sodium taco seasoning mix
• low or no salt Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies (don’t drain)
• canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• canned corn, drained and rinsed
• diced onion, red or sweet
• shredded Mexican blend cheese
• diced red bell pepper
• pickled jalapeños
• tortilla chips

Optional ideas for topping and serving:

• diced red onion
• chopped plum tomatoes
• shredded lettuce
• sour cream
• diced avocado
• guacamole
• cilantro
• sliced green onions
• fresh lime juice
• pickled jalapeños
• additional shredded cheese
• pico de gallo
• chunky salsa
• queso cheese dip drizzled over individual servings

How to make Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

1. First prepare the pan and preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray or grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or large skillet.

2. Combine the first layer of ingredients

Mix together the chicken, taco seasoning and Rotel Tomatoes in a skillet or casserole dish. In a separate large bowl combine the drained, rinsed beans and corn. Add 2 cups of cheese, the onion, bell pepper and jalapeños.

Spread the beans and corn mixture over the chicken. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Top with chips and cheese

Remove the casserole from the oven. Remove and discard the foil. Top the casserole with 1 cup of cheese, 3 cups of lightly crushed chips and another cup of cheese. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Add toppings and serve with your favorite garnishes

Remove from the oven and serve topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, extra chips for scooping, a dollop of sour cream, shredded lettuce, avocado, tomatoes and onion.

Substitutions, Add-Ins and Variations:

• Add a layer of Mexican or Spanish Rice at the bottom of the casserole
• Add chopped green bell pepper
• Sauté fresh spinach before mixing in with the beans
• Drizzle individual servings with prepared queso cheese dip
• Use chunky salsa in place of the canned Rotel Tomatoes
• Add drained and rinsed pinto beans in place of the chicken or as an additional ingredient
• Monterey Jack Cheese in place of the Mexican blend
• Substitute cooked ground beef or chorizo for the chicken (drain the cooked beef before mixing)
• Use fresh or frozen corn in place of canned. Thaw and drain frozen corn before using.